Arsenal centre-back Shkodran Mustafi has been ruled out of Arsenal’s return to Premier League action against Watford this weekend, after injuring his hamstring on international duty.
Twitter: BREAKING: Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi out of Saturday’s game at Watford after injuring hamstring in Germany’s… https://t.co/M6Sp4Qn4LO (@SkySportsNews)
Mustafi tore his hamstring in Germany’s demolition of Azerbaijan in World Cup qualification — but will be pleased that his country are safely through to the tournament in Russia next summer.
The timing of the injury is even worse for Arsenal, given that Laurent Koscielny is also struggling to be fit for the game against the Hornets this weekend. The pair join Danny Welbeck, Francis Coquelin, Calum Chambers, Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla on the injury list; with the last of those being out for the long-term along with Mustafi now.
World Cup and Confederations Cup winner Mustafi started his senior career with Everton but failed to make a single appearance for the Toffees before moving to Sampdoria.
After two years in Serie A, the German moved to La Liga side Valencia and made 81 appearances for the club, scoring six goals before a £35 million plus move to Arsenal in 2015.
Since joining the Gunners, Mustafi has played 37 games, scoring twice for Arsene Wenger’s side.
